Mycorrhizae Fungi

Mycorrhizae is a fungi that forms a beneficial symbiotic relationship with plant roots, in which it acts as if it's extending the plant's root system. This infographic gives an overview of what mycorrhizae is and how it works. 

Some more details:

Plants have chloroplasts, which are the organelles in their cells that preform photosynthesis. The fungi do not have these organelles and cannot photosynthesize; therefore, it cannot create its own food. This is why the symbiotic relationship is formed in the first place. Mycorrhizae can help the plant by reaching farther and deeper into the soil, extracting valuable nutrients and water that the plant's root system may not have ever been able to reach. The plant in a relationship with the mycorrhizae fungi photosynthesizes and creates glucose; then it sends a portion of glucose to the mycorrhizae, so that the mycorrhizae can survive. Both the plant and the fungi benefit from this relationship!

If you’re wondering how to foster this symbiosis in your flower beds, we have a multitude of products containing mycorrhizae inoculates! Visit the Products tab to view all our MicroLife products!